Research in biology

Advancement of knowledge through novel research activities is a key component of what
we do in biology. Faculty investigators work side-by-side with graduate and undergraduate
students in the process of discovery. Take a look at what we are doing and where
we do it.

Biomedical and cell/molecular research

The Reproductive Physiology Laboratory studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which prostaglandins regulate corpus
luteum function in mammalian females and the influence of fish oil on lipid microdomain
membrane ultrastructure and cellular signaling. For more information, contact Dr. Pat Burns.

The Immunotoxicology Laboratory is focused on discovering the mechanisms underlying altered immune function and disease
resistance caused by toxic chemicals in foods, drugs, or the environment. For more
information, contact Dr. Gregory DeKrey.

The Cancer Biology Laboratory focuses on revealing the molecular function of cancer cells for purposes of developing
better anti-cancer therapies. For more information, contact Dr. James Haughian.

The Virus-Host Interaction Laboratory studies small mammals and the immune response that occurs during infection with pathogens
such as Sin Nombre virus (SNV), Modoc virus (MODV), Tacaribe virus (TCRV). For information
on these and other projects, contact Dr. Ann Hawkinson.

The Developmental Biology Laboratory focuses on how the cellular microenvironment regulates adult stem cells, using the
Drosophila testis as a genetic model system. For more information, contact Dr. Judy Leatherman.

The Neurophysiology Laboratory is studying the wiring of the brain to find better treatments for Parkinson's disease
and schizophrenia. For more information, contact Dr. Mark Thomas.

The Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory focuses on how the migration and adhesion of tissue fusion is regulated on a cellular
and molecular level, using the zebrafish eye development as a molecular model system.
For more information, contact Dr. Andrea James.

The Inflammation Laboratory is investigating the molecular mechanisms behind processes such as allergy, wound
healing, and cancer cell invasion using cell culture and mouse models. For more information,
contact Dr. Nicholas Pullen.

The Epigenetics laboratory is focusing on how environment factors such as drugs, diet, exercise and sleep affect
the progression of human diseases, such as non-fatty liver diseases, obesity and biliary
cancer through modification of DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding
RNA expression. For more information, contact Dr. Yuyan Han.

Ecology and evolutionary biology research

The Bat Laboratory studies the ecology and development of flight of bats. For more information, contact
Dr. Rick Adams.

The Avian Behavior Laboratory studies the form, function, and ecological context of birdsong from an evolutionary
perspective. For more information, contact Dr. Lauryn Benedict.

The Disturbance Ecology Laboratory studies plant communities and their responses to flood and fire. For more information,
contact Dr. Scott Franklin.

The Plant Physiology Laboratory focuses on beneficial interactions between soil fungi and roots, and how these could
affect insects that are feeding aboveground, and vice versa. The long-term goal is
to develop improved management practices to maintain a balance between an efficient
symbiosis and limited insect abundance. For more information, contact Dr. Karen Gomez.

The Venom Analysis Laboratory studies the biology of venomous snakes and the biochemistry of their venoms, and
ongoing projects use discovery science approaches toward uncovering novel compounds
with therapeutic potential. For more information, contact Dr. Stephen Mackessy.

The Plant Population Genetics Laboratory focuses on using genetic tools to understand patterns of plant diversification and
how genetic data can enhance the management and conversation of rare and endangered
species. For more information, contact Dr. Mitchell McGlaughlin.

The BLE (Bioeduction and Lichen Ecology) Lab uses community analysis to describe how disturbance patterns lichen community
structure. For more information, contact Dr. Emily Holt.

Biology pedagogy research

The Metacognition Research Program focuses on the impact of authentic research experiences on student content knowledge,
attitudes toward science, science process skills, and the skills learned as students
move from novice to more expert-like thinking. For more information, contact Dr. Ginger Fisher.

The BLE (Bioeduction and Lichen Ecology) Lab currently has two central foci: the measurement of learner-centeredness in undergraduate
biology classes and climate literacy as it relates to biotic components of climate
change. For more information, contact Dr. Emily Holt.